As of February 8, travelers wishing to enter the United States without a visa must declare their social media activities from the past five years. This new requirement marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policies, with the disclosure of social media profiles now mandatory for travelers from 38 countries, including France. Previously, this information was optional for travelers applying through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). With the new rule, all social media accounts used within the last five years, as well as email addresses used in the past ten years, must be disclosed.

This policy is intended to enhance the security and vetting process of international travelers, reflecting growing concerns over national security and the potential risks associated with uncontrolled entries. Implemented for the first time in modern U.S. immigration policy, the necessity to reveal social media activity could provoke various reactions from the international community, especially regarding privacy and freedom of expression. The American authorities aim to better assess the background of individuals entering the country, which they believe can help in preventing potential threats.

However, the policy raises concerns about how such information will be used, tracked, and stored by U.S. authorities. Critics argue that this places an undue burden on travelers, particularly considering the implications for privacy rights and the potential misuse of personal data. As this measure takes effect, the effectiveness and legality of such requirements are likely to be scrutinized, and it remains to be seen how travelers respond to this increased monitoring.